The beautiful descriptions and vivid imagery really drew me into this land and story and curiosity of what the meaning of the cover is, the point of the large fire and people huddled around. The beginning alludes to something strange about the people and how the community functions and everything flows so smoothly while watching through the eyes of a young girl sharing information about the town, the importance/mystery of mothers, and the new stranger bringing wonder and danger. The author's ability to draw out my curiosity (what is the affliction?!?! and why do the mother's disappear?!?!) definitely does a good job making me want to continue reading! .